New York City Day of Prayer will be independent

The Christian Cultural Center in eastern Brooklyn started hosting the annual Day of Prayer in 2018. Pastor Frank Haye, founding director of the Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir, leads a worship song at the 2018 celebration.
Photo: Francesca N. Tate/Brooklyn Eagle

CANARSIE/EAST NEW YORK— THE CHRISTIAN CULTURAL CENTER WILL AGAIN HOST THE ANNUAL NEW YORK CITY DAY OF PRAYER on Thursday, May 7, but with a new focus independent from any elected office.

For the past eight years, the New York City Day of Prayer has been observed at the Christian Cultural Center, with proclamations from the governor and the mayor of New York City. Before that, Brooklyn Borough Hall and City Hall in lower Manhattan also hosted the event.

During the early years of this observance, it was called Brooklyn Day of Prayer, and elected leaders took an active role. Then-Borough President Eric Adams presents a Proclamation to Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn in this 2017 Brooklyn Eagle photo. DiMarzio is now Bishop emeritus of Brooklyn.
Photo: Francesca N.Tate/Brooklyn Eagle

This year, for the first time, the New York City Day of Prayer will stand independent from any elected office. Hosts will be the Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard, Pastor Jamaal Bernard, and Pastor Gil Monrose, founder of GodSquad/67th Precinct Clergy Council (founded in 2010 to combat gun violence) and spiritual leader of Mount Zion Church of God in East Flatbush. The service, which is free and open to the public, lasts from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and will feature special guest speakers and musical artists from across the city’s diverse faith communities.

The New York City Day of Prayer, observed annually on the first Thursday of May in alignment with the National Day of Prayer designated by the United States Congress, celebrates NYC’s history of religious expression. Day of Prayer events are also taking place at other venues around the city.

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